My class is very heavily competency based. I review the competency step by step and relate the importance of each step. Then I demonstrate the competency from start to finish and let the students critique me. For a few of the competencies I have videos that I put on Blackboard for them to review over and over. Then I let them review steps again before they have to demonstrate back to me. A repetition of the material being taught really helps. My students retain more information, can explain why they need to do the steps involved and can relate how to apply the new material confidently.
I think variety is important for adult learners. By including practical exercises the students get a break from lecture and can see some application of the knowledge. That connection is important for them to own the new knowledge, to make it apply to their own circumstances or values. I appreciate variety also as a challenge to engage the students more fully in the instruction.
Drawing on previous knowledge as a means to compare is a great technique. If the previous knowledge was learned in your course it can also serve as a means to "show" students how much they have already learned and keep them excited.
I find using a variety of exercises that cover both cognitive and tactile learning abilities helps "role-play" application of material and gives a memorable experience which is easy to recall and therefore leads to retention of the experience and the material comes along with!
I agree that repetition is a great way to help students retain information, so I am always reminding students of the grammar rules that we have already studied that they need to review. But I think that we must also help them understand that the things they are learning can be applied starting today in all aspects of their lives. Good grammar can be used in written and oral communication in both their professional and private lives. I remind students that if they are parents, they are the models that their children are using to develop their own speech patterns. It is important to use proper speech patterns at home and at work. You never know when your boss will overhear what you are saying or read something that you have written. It is vital to always use proper English so that people fully understand what you are saying.
I teach math online. It is my experience, both personally, and professionally, that the way to learn math is by doing problems. Outside of the lab which does provide the students the opportunity to work problems and thereby acquire the skills, there are few opportunities that I have to directly provide this. Sometimes I get to work with a student one to one and that allow good engagement.
Understanding the application of the material can also be a big help. If students see the relevance of what they are learning, the motivation goes up, and with it retention. Some topics, such as understanding the basic math of interest rates has immediate application such as calculating a mortgage or car payment, while other material, such as an introduction to set theory is much harder to connect to real world applications.
Retention of knowledge can be improved by putting the knowledge to use immediately. Teach it, practice it; teach something new, practice it. I teach in a medical field. It is not uncommon for us to come across cases where my students can use the information they previously learned to assist in developing treatment plans and in communicating with clients. I allow them to help devise those treatments plans, putting into use the knowledge they've already acquired.
the instructor needs to have a lot of patient with the different kind of students because every one has different way to see their goals....that's why the new information and new skills all the time need to give them with expertise and enthusiasm
The best way for students to learn new information is to use it themselves. This may include everything from lab experiences to group work to presentations The more ways the students are involved with information, the more they remember the information. In a literature classroom with no lab involved, I tend to depend on small group work and student presentations.
Doores Kiesler
I try to help students retain and apply new information by presenting it first in lecture format, then utilizing the information in a laboratory exercise
I think if we help them to apply knowledge in their career field.
Hi Sherry,
Congratulations on making your course content relevant and real. I am sure your students enjoyed talking about the Black Friday ads and how they impacted the buying public. Now on to Cyber Monday.
Gary
I always try to use real world examples. I had 30 years in the business world before I started this "second career" so I have lots of stories. Some realy resinate and some don't. I always park that information away for my next class.
I love the idea of applying the new knowledge. Not every student will be able to relate to the same application so it is important to give a variety of examples. Putting concepts into real life examples is the best way to understand and see how things work together.
In discussing Marketing this week it was great to incorporate the Black Friday ads that were all over trying to attract consumers at all hours. It gave the students a chance to see some of the concepts from the text in action.
By using examples and ideas how it will apply to the careers that they are going into.
Hi Judy,
Having too much to teach seems to be a common problem with most of us. The method you are using is a good way to help the students to retain information from previous classes while getting ready in minds for what is going to be shared in the present class.
Gary
I find that there is just so much to teach in such little time. Trying to incorporate the previous learning into the new learning is how I like to best utilize class time.
Hi Clay,
This is a great strategy because you are connect the dots for the students with both application and relevancy. By enabling the students to see both of these concepts in action they will be much further ahead in their career development.
Gary
I reinforce lectures with hands-on demonstrations of new software or new techniques, in a "follow the leader" method. I then create quick exercises for the students. Learning by doing reinforces my lectures.
Hi Sean,
I use case studies a lot in my classes and have had great success with them. You are right case studies really help students to see the relevancy of what they are studying.
Gary
